Mookie Betts is making 2023 a season to remember, showcasing his exceptional talent as one of the most formidable leadoff hitters in the history of baseball. The All-Star outfielder, currently with the Los Angeles Dodgers, continues to etch his name into the annals of the sport, both for the season and his illustrious career.
From MLB.com, in a game that saw the Dodgers fall to the Padres in an 11-8 defeat, Betts provided a dazzling display of his hitting prowess. He led off the game with a home run, marking his 12th leadoff homer of the 2023 season and his 48th in his career. Remarkably, Betts is now just one away from tying the record for the most leadoff home runs in a single season, a feat set by Alfonso Soriano back in 2003. Additionally, he is currently tied for fifth place on the all-time list, alongside Ian Kinsler.
Betts’ home run in the first inning of the game not only showcased his power but also brought his season total to 39 homers. If he manages to hit just one more, it would mark the first 40-homer season of his illustrious career.
The significance of this leadoff home run extended beyond personal milestones. It also marked Betts’ 100th RBI of the season, a rare achievement for a leadoff hitter. He became only the third player in the history of the American and National Leagues to record at least 100 RBIs from the leadoff spot. Manager Dave Roberts emphasized Betts’ pivotal role in the Dodgers’ offense, praising his ability to get on base, slug, and drive in runs, qualities seldom seen in leadoff hitters.
Betts continued his offensive onslaught in the game, delivering three more RBIs in the third inning with a bases-loaded double to left-center field. This brought his season total to 103 RBIs, equalling the AL/NL record for most RBIs from the leadoff spot in a season, a record set by Charlie Blackmon in 2017. With 19 games left in the season, Betts is poised to surpass this historic mark.
Now in his fourth year with the Dodgers, Betts is enjoying his most impressive season yet in Los Angeles, reminiscent of his 2018 American League MVP campaign. The race for the 2023 NL MVP award is shaping up to be a close battle between Betts and the Braves’ Ronald Acuña Jr., promising an exciting contest that may go down to the wire.
Betts’ recent injury scare, when he fouled a ball off his left foot and briefly left the lineup, had fans holding their breath. However, his return to the field on Sunday, followed by a stellar 2-for-4 performance with four RBIs on Monday, reassured everyone that he’s back in top form.
As the Dodgers inch closer to clinching their 11th division title in the past 12 seasons, Betts remains a driving force behind their success. His ability to set the tone as a leadoff hitter is unparalleled, providing his team with a unique advantage. Despite the loss to the Padres, Monday’s game served as a powerful reminder of Betts’ extraordinary impact on the game of baseball.
